Reflections on the 2025 SPAN Conference hosted by the Association of Theological Schools in the U.S. and Canada: the Commission on Accrediting, New Port Beach, CA, 2025.
We are thrilled to share our experience from the 2025 SPAN Conference, held at the Hyatt New Port Beach, CA, March 11-13, 2025.
Invited by the ATS team, Fr. Michel Najim AHOS, President, and I had the honor of presenting our workshop titled “Integrating Formation with Academics and Its Impact on Student Services.”
This esteemed event, hosted by the Association of Theological Schools in the U.S. and Canada: the Commission on Accrediting, brought together educators and ministry leaders from across the region.
Workshop Highlights
Our presentation focused on three interconnected domains that are essential to the framework of theological and pastoral education:
1- Spiritual Therapeutic Skills
We discussed the importance of building pastoral patristic bonds with individuals and families in crisis.
Attendees learned techniques for developing active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution skills.
We explored how to implement pastoral diagnoses based on ascetic practices and minister effectively across diverse cultural contexts and life stages.
The session emphasized compassionate support for the sick and suffering, along with integrating Orthodox insights into marriage and family counseling.
2- Spiritual Worldview Contextualization
We grounded our discussions in theological principles, highlighting the integration of liturgical and sacramental practices for comprehensive soul care.
We examined how to apply Apostolic ecclesiology to enhance spiritual therapy and practice ethical ministry aligned with Orthodox spirituality.
The workshop also addressed the need for improving church administration to better support pastoral work and the view of pastoral care as a vital form of evangelization, especially in mission settings.
3- Personal Priestly and Pastoral Identity Formation
We encouraged reflective growth in ministry, promoting spiritual self-development and attentiveness to others.
Participants explored how to clarify their vocational calling as a sacred journey and the importance of mentorship and peer feedback.
We also discussed understanding group dynamics to foster both personal and professional growth.
The engagement and enthusiasm from attendees made the experience truly enriching. We left the conference inspired by the shared commitment to enhancing student services through integrated formation and academic collaboration.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this important dialogue. We look forward to continuing these discussions and exploring further opportunities for growth in pastoral education.
Glory to God,
Fr. Fadi Rabbat
Academic Dean
The Antiochian House of Studies
